FAQ: General - quantatrading/Quanta-exoTrader GitHub Wiki

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Quanta exoTrader

Welcome to the comprehensive FAQ section for Quanta exoTrader. This section aims to assist new and existing users by providing detailed answers to a range of common questions about setting up, configuring, and effectively using Quanta exoTrader in cryptocurrency trading.

General Setup

What is Quanta exoTrader?

Quanta exoTrader is an advanced cryptocurrency trading algorithm designed to optimise trading through automation and detailed technical analysis, suitable for intermediate to experienced traders.

How do I obtain a Quanta exoTrader license?

Licenses can be obtained by joining the Quanta channel through the Gunbot telegram group. There, you can also engage with a community of traders, get real-time assistance and share trading parameters with other Quanta exoTrader users.

What are the prerequisites for running Quanta exoTrader?

You will need:

  • A computer or VPS/VDS with Windows 10/11, macOS, or Linux.
  • A stable internet connection.
  • An exchange account on a platform supported by Gunbot with API trading enabled.
  • Intermediate to advanced knowledge of cryptocurrency trading and risk management.

Configuration and Customisation

How can I configure the trade limit to match my investment preferences?

Adjust the TRADE_LIMIT parameter within the basic strategy settings to set the amount of the base asset you wish to allocate per trade. This helps manage risk and customise the trading size according to your investment strategy.

What time frame is best for day trading versus long-term trading?

For day trading, shorter time frames (like 5 to 15 minutes) are preferable as they provide more trading signals. For long-term trading, longer time frames (such as 1 hour or more) are better as they offer more stability and less noise.

Can I trade with Quanta exoTrader without a Trading View account?

While not required, a Trading View account enhances the system's capabilities, enabling powerful backtesting and algorithm tuning features. Starting with a free account is sufficient.

Can I start exoTrader with only quote balance?

You can, but you must set BOUGHT_PRICE as an override on your trading pair so exoTrader knows the price the quote was acquired at AND you must start with a new state file with IGNORE_TRADES_BEFORE set.

For example: I have 10 SOL with an average buy price of $150 - "BOUGHT_PRICE": 150, must be set in your overrides before you start trading. BOUGHT_PRICE will automatically be disabled as soon as a valid price is available at the exchange. The trading pair state file must be removed after IGNORE_TRADES_BEFORE. You can do this by setting IGNORE_TRADES_BEFORE, stopping Gunbot core process and removing the pair state file from the root/json and root/json/backup directory.

Safety Features

What is the impact of enabling Trend Protection?

Enabling TREND_PROTECTION helps prevent purchasing during a bearish trend, which can protect against significant losses during market downturns. It's especially useful in volatile markets.

Example of TREND_PROTECTION protecting capital during a bearish trend Practical example of TREND_PROTECTION protecting capital during a bearish trend.

How does Safe Trade affect my buying strategy?

Enabling BUY_BELOW_BEP ensures that your buying orders are placed only when prices are below the break-even point, enhancing the safety of entry points and protecting against overpriced asset purchases.

Partial Sell Settings

What is 'Partial Sell' and when should I use it?

PARTIAL_SELL_BELOW_BEP allows for the sale of a portion of holdings below the break-even point, enabling profit-taking in various market conditions. It's particularly useful in volatile markets to secure gains while maintaining market exposure.

Example of PARTIAL_SELL_BELOW_BEP booking profits despite being below break-even point. Example of PARTIAL_SELL_BELOW_BEP booking profits despite being below break-even point.

How do I adjust the Partial Sell Ratio?

Modify the PARTIAL_SELL_RATIO to set the percentage of holdings to be sold during a partial sell order. This helps manage how aggressively profits are taken from a positive trade below the break-even point.

Order Handling

What is the difference between 'Post-Only' and 'Market' orders?

POST_ONLY_ORDERS ensures your orders are added to the order book and not filled immediately, these are typically known as limit maker orders and potentially reduce fees. Market orders, on the other hand, are filled immediately but may incur higher fees and slippage. Check your trading exchange account to understand your current fee tier.

How can I manage the refresh rate of my limit orders?

Adjust the ORDER_REFRESH_DELAY to set how frequently your orders are canceled and replaced, allowing you to adapt to changing market conditions more effectively.

Algorithm Tuning

How do I activate advanced trading strategies?

Advanced strategies can be activated by adjusting parameters in the Algorithm Tuning section. You can fine-tune settings such as WT Channel Length, WT Average Length, and WT Buy Level / WT Sell Level to align with specific market conditions and trading goals.

More information on advanced tuning features and parameter descriptions can be found in Algorithm Tuning.

How do I customize the algorithm's responsiveness to market trends?

Tune settings like WT_CH_LENGTH and RSI_LENGTH to adjust the sensitivity and responsiveness of the algorithm to market movements and trends.

Can I disable certain safety features if I prefer a more aggressive trading strategy?

Yes, features like TREND_PROTECTION and SAFE_TRADE can be disabled, allowing for a more aggressive strategy that might execute trades regardless of the broader market trend or break-even price points.

Performance and Troubleshooting

Why aren't my trades executing?

Check the following:

  • Ensure your API keys are correctly configured and have trading permissions.
  • Verify that your TRADE_LIMIT and MIN_VOLUME_TO_SELL settings comply with the exchange's minimum trade requirements.
  • Ensure there are no active safety settings like TREND_PROTECTION or SAFE_TRADE preventing trades under current market conditions.
  • Check your console logs for any exchange returns which typically contain codes or descriptions of why the exchange did not post your order - you can search or grep for Posting.

image Example of PM2 logs where Posting was searched for to see exoTrader posting the order and the exchange returning a descriptive error.

What should I do if refresh speed is slow?

Cycle speed is complex and depends on variables such as how many pairs you are trading, how much order history do you have, what exchange delay and rate limit are you running.

Consider the following steps to understand cycle performance:

  • The right hand side bar has 3 metrics - Refresh Speed, Code Proc Time and Last API Call. Code Proc Time is the end to end time in seconds that Quanta exoTrader code took to run.
  • Refresh Speed will naturally be much longer, this is normal and is the round trip for Gunbot core to get to the exchange, gather and process the data.
  • Check your DELAY and RATELIMIT in Gunbot exchange settings.
  • Websockets are in beta and will help with overall refresh speed. Do your research before activating websockets, beta can come with unintended consequences.

Bugs & Features

How do I request a new feature?

Features can be requested by completing the Feature request report. Please include all supporting information with a clear and concise description of what the feature is, how it would work etc.

How do I raise a bug fix?

Bug fixes can be raised by completing the Bug report report. Bug reports must contain a concise description of what the observed problem is and must also contain a safeconfig, state file (both state.json and exotrader-state.json) and logs (pm2 or whatever your favourite log capture is). Bug reports raised without supporting information will not be progressed.

Legal and Regulatory

Is Quanta exoTrader compliant with cryptocurrency trading regulations?

While Quanta exoTrader provides a method for trading, compliance with local laws and regulations is the responsibility of the user. It's crucial to understand and adhere to the legal frameworks governing cryptocurrency trading in your jurisdiction.

How do I ensure my trading activity is secure?

  • Use strong, unique passwords for all trading-related accounts.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your exchange and trading accounts.
  • Regularly update Gunbot and your operating system to receive the latest security enhancements.
  • Be cautious with API key permissions; restrict them to trading only, without withdrawal rights.

Additional Resources

Where can I find tutorials or user guides for Quanta exoTrader?

Comprehensive resources, including step-by-step tutorials and user guides, are available on the Quanta exoTrader wiki page. Additionally, tutorial videos and community support can be accessed through the Quanta Telegram channel.

We hope this FAQ provides you with the clarity and support needed to enhance your trading experience with Quanta exoTrader. For further assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to the community or check the detailed documentation available online.